ON CAMPUS TA L L U L A H FA L L S S C H O O L MAGAZINE
EMBRACING THE JOURNEY
RESIDENTIAL LIFE | 4-7
MID-MESTER | 13-19
ROBOTICS CLUB | 21
CAMP BLUE RIDGE Everyone wanted to capture the mattress, so everyone found a way to help. “You can’t do it alone,” said sixth grader Audrey Roy. “You have to have people guarding and people going and stealing. You have to work as a team. It is not a one-man job. It helped us to become more unified.” Capture the Mattress was the favorite among the team-building games for Tallulah Falls School’s lower and middle school students at Camp Blue Ridge, and team-building is what it was all about. “We wanted to kick off the school year in a great way, build community, and provide leadership opportunities for our older students,” said lower and middle school dean Carol Madden. “It blew away our expectations. Our eighth graders modeled what it looks
like to be a community, to encourage the camp the day before helped the eighth graders learn about the camp others, and to lead.” and practice their leadership roles. On a Thursday, TFS eighth graders arrived at Camp Blue Ridge in “It was an energetic atmosphere and Clayton, Georgia. They went through fun because I could bond with all the the activities so that they would be little kids and all the people,” said able to facilitate them the next day eighth grader Henry Dumas. “I was for the younger students. On Friday, beside them cheering them on, and the entire lower and middle school the Ravens did really well!” arrived and spent the day rotating through relay games, a low ropes Eighth grader Erin Sweat enjoyed course, team-building games like working with the fourth and fifth untying a human knot, and kayak graders. “We helped them and showed them how to get excited and races. talked to them about school and how Groups were divided by houses. to prepare,” she said. “I got to listen to “It was all the grades together,” them and learn about them.” said eighth grader Nora Mitchell. “Now, when we see each other in the For Madden, it was more than they hallway, we know each other – we could have ever hoped for. The won’t feel awkward and can help students have truly established a each other.” Mitchell said arriving at strong sense of community.
SERVICE DAYS S H A PING OUR STU D ENTS Tallulah Falls School students loaded up buses and spread out through the local community to lend a helping hand, and the timing could not have been better in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. In addition to serving local ministries and schools, students assisted with the cleanup efforts and supply distribution in the area.
Circle of Hope, Rabun Paws 4 Life Shelter, Sharing and Caring, Clayton Community Food Bank, North Georgia Christian Camp, Lighthouse Learning Coop, the Tallulah Gorge State Park Interpretive Center, and the TFS campus. “Today was a great chance to get out of the classroom and learn one of the most important life skills – the importance of serving others,” said junior Kaylin Pickett. “This experience taught me to be grateful, and I am glad to have the ability to help others. I would love to do more service projects like this!”
On Tuesday, October 1, TFS fifth graders visited Get Real ministries in Baldwin. They picked up debris from the storm on the non-profit’s property. After a quick water break, they packed Halloween candy bags for the local community served Groups cleaned up storm by Get Real. debris, organized and sorted While they were there, word food, clothes, and other came through that later in the resources, taught a STEM class, day, an airplane was flying from painted fences, and cared for Habersham County Airport to animals. “Together, we can Western North Carolina with transform things like painting a much-needed water supply. a fence into a symbol of our Get Real Ministries had a pallet unity and commitment to our of water that needed to be community,” said junior Selah transported to the airport, so the Wiltshire, “We can paint a group enthusiastically loaded brighter future one stroke at a the cases onto the TFS bus, took time.” the water to the airport, and Upper School Academic Dean prepared it for delivery. Jeremy Stille said that Service “We are so blessed, and we Day gave students the time to want to share with others. We serve the local community and want to bring hope and light to take the opportunity to reflect our community,” said Dean of on their blessings. “Especially Students Jimmy Franklin. Each with the recent devastation month, a different grade from from Hurricane Helene, our the lower and middle school students’ choice to give time works with Get Real on a “Be and energy to help others shows strong character and a sense of the Light” service project. caring that we want our students The upper school’s Service Day to develop,” said Stille. was held on Friday, October 5. Over 300 students from the TFS upper school gave a helping hand throughout the community. They worked at
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A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT We have had a remarkable first semester here at Tallulah Falls School. I would like to begin by thanking our staff involved in getting us through an unexpected crisis when we experienced a tornado warning and Hurricane Helene back to back at the end of September. Special thanks to our faculty and staff, who quickly reacted when weather conditions rapidly changed, placing TFS in the path of a tornado. Teachers immediately sheltered students and even brought parents into safe holding areas from their cars, where they were waiting to pick up their children at the end of the school day.
I love walking by the classrooms and watching our teachers in action. I particularly enjoy visiting the fourth and fifth graders, our newest students at TFS. Recently, I was talking with one of the fourth graders. He told me he loves going to school here, loves how everyone cares about him, and loves being challenged in the classroom. How inspiring this was to me. We provide a safe and welcoming learning environment that creates curiosity and interest. Our students love coming to school. Our teachers create a magical atmosphere where students feel incredibly comfortable, and the stories I hear from parents reflect that enthusiasm.
So many people took immediate action, informed parents of the delay, and placed students in safe areas. I was pleased to see all the quick actions taken to keep our students safe.
Students are successful and thrive in this kind of environment. That is why we have high retention and graduation rates, and students receive scholarships to institutions worldwide.
My compliments to the Director of Plant Services Michael Rogers and the entire plant services staff for their extra efforts to secure the campus and make it comfortable and safe for boarding and day students alike in the aftermath. They removed trees, set up generators, and made sure there was plenty of food, water, and other conveniences that we usually don’t even think about until we are without them.
I particularly love to hear stories from our alumni. I enjoy hearing about their success at Georgia Tech, UGA, NYU, UCLA, William and Mary, and other outstanding institutions that are more local like Piedmont University, Toccoa Falls College, Truett McConnell, and UNG. As we strive to build strong academic students who make good decisions that positively impact others, it’s great to see our alumni accomplishing their goals.
Our first priority continues to be the safety of our students. When children are safe, they can thrive. We can see this as they embrace opportunities in the classroom, the field, the stage, and the community.
During the holidays, as you gather with your families, take a minute to read through the pages of this issue of On Campus magazine. Every story reflects all that our students are embracing: their achievements, celebrations, and experiences. Sharing this gift we see daily on the Tallulah Falls School campus is tremendously rewarding.
When I walk into the lower/middle school, Ms. Tammy Metcalf is there with a smile, showing kindness to each student. At the upper school, the first thing students receive is a greeting and a smile from Ms. Katlyn Alley. They come to an environment where they know they are cared for. This is the best way for students to start their day – they experience it from the moment they walk in the door. 2 • ON CAMPUS MAGAZINE
Dr. Larry A. Peevy President and Head of School
David Chester Assistant Head of School
RESIDENTIAL LIFE Boarding Student Stories...............................4-7 Residential Life Assistant..................................5 Director of Residential Life..............................6
Jeremy Stille Upper School Academic Dean
Carol Madden
CAMPUS NEWS A Letter from the President.............................2
Lower/Middle School Academic Dean
Sonya M. Smith Executive Director for Advancement
Ashton Bass Director of Creative Services
Elisha Boggs Director of Communications
Brian Carter Director of Sports Communication and Digital Media
Photography Contributors: Ashton Bass Elisha Boggs Austin Poffenberger Stephanie Dorantes Audrey Borchers Jennifer Cox TFS Staff, Parents & Students Brooke Gragg Brandi Wood
On Campus Magazine is published three times per year by the Advancement Department of Tallulah Falls School
EVENTS Camp Blue Ridge...............................................1 Service Days.......................................................1 Twin Rivers Challenge.............................10-11 Fall Festival.......................................................20 Fall Formal........................................................33
FEATURES Alumni Stories..................................8-9, 23, 30 Experiential Learning......................................12 Robotics..................................................21 TFS Bells...........................................................22 Equestrian Team...............................................22 Athlete Features.........................................28-29 Dual Enrollment...............................................31 National Honor Society...................................31 One Act Play.....................................................32
MID-MESTER New York..........................................................13 Costa Rica.........................................................14 Germany..................................................15 Charleston, SC..................................................16 Florida Coast.....................................................17 College Tours....................................................18 Job Shadowing.................................................19
SPORTS Varsity Volleyball..............................................24 Varsity Cross Country......................................25 Varsity Softball..................................................26 Middle School Sports.......................................27 201 Campus Drive Tallulah Falls, GA 30573 706-754-0400 tallulahfalls.org
Mission Statement: Preparing each student to thrive in life by elevating character and intellect in a challenging and diverse college preparatory environment.
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INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
When senior Jovana Dermanovic came to Tallulah Falls School with her family from Novi Sad, Serbia, to her sister’s graduation, she knew she wanted to attend Tallulah Falls School as soon as possible. “I really liked the school and the natural environment. I came the next August for my freshman year,” she said. Immediately, teachers, faculty, staff, and coaches saw the spark in Dermanovic. “I was not confident in my English, but I got help from my teachers, and I quickly went to honors classes and then to college level classes,” she said. Dermanovic will have completed over 30 hours of college classes when she graduates. “The teachers are amazing. I always talk to them and get help. This was a cultural shock for me. We don’t get help like that in Serbia.”
Dermanovic took Haley Cantrell’s math class her freshman year. “She is such a good teacher; her teaching method was visual, so it helped me understand math on a whole new level,” she said. “Ms. Cantrell always has a smile and a hug to share, and she asks about my day. When I feel homesick, she notices and reaches out to me. She brings joy to the school.” Dermanovic has immersed herself in clubs, drama, sports, and leadership opportunities. She has gracefully balanced theater performances, service and leadership roles, and track and swimming competitions. “I might even pursue track and field in college,” she said. “Coach Neal has inspired me. He has taught me a lot about patience and self-growth.” Her coaches have significantly impacted her life. “I can always ask for their opinion and advice – they have respect for me, and I have respect for them.” Athletic Director Scott Neal taught her that the journey is more important than the destination. “I will take that with me,” she said. “We all have goals in life, but the journey is meeting people, making connections, and enjoying the experiences.” Dermanovic’s enthusiasm and kindness made her the perfect candidate to serve as an International Delegate for incoming students. “My junior year, I came a week earlier than other students. I showed them around and told them about my experience,” she said. “I saw people where I used to be and helped them with the transitions. I met many new people and was introduced to new cultures in just a few days.”
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KAREN MARTINEZ TORRES
For Dermanovic, TFS is her home away from home. “I have made so many international and American friends,” she said. “We are a big family – like siblings. They will be my friends for life.” Dermanovic appreciates how the dorm counselors keep harmony and create a peaceful environment in the dorms. “They are there no matter the time of day or night. We hang out and talk. It is nice to have someone older than us to guide us,” she said. She loves the activities and trips that the residential staff provide for the boarding students. “My favorite trip is at the end of the year – Y Camp. We hang out with friends and fish. I caught two fish!” she said. “We get to swim and hang out in nature.
We really need those fresh, green surroundings!” Dermanovic will graduate in May. From the moment she arrived, she has made the most of every day, choosing to thrive. “I have learned how to study. I have learned so much about leadership as I had many opportunities to lead and speak publicly. I have learned how to write – I know how to write an essay, I have been writing for so long! I have learned so much.”
“I have learned so much about leadership as I have had many opportunities to lead and speak publicly.”
What is it like to be a residential life assistant at Tallulah Falls School? It is being a best friend to a bunch of teenagers even though my teenage years are long gone – they keep me young! It is being a parent. It Is being a nurse. It is being a big sister who gives them advice because I’ve already been through some similar things in my life, and I have learned lessons I can share with them. It is being a seamstress. I’ve learned how to fix clothes, sew buttons, or make their favorite outfit look good. It is listening and knowing their passions, their hobbies, their dreams, their fears, their friends, their day-to-day, and all the drama that comes with them. It is being a mediator who helps keep balance and fairness in their lives whenever there’s an issue. It is being a teacher who helps them at school or teaches them language, culture, music, movies, new hobbies, or general life hacks. It is being a counselor who tries to help them understand what they’re going through, who listens to what they have on their mind, and who is always there to offer a shoulder to cry on or just a safe space to vent. It is being a protector who makes sure that they follow the rules and do what they are supposed to do when they are supposed to do it. It is teaching them tolerance, patience, good values, boundaries, honesty, respect, responsibility, to dream big, and to be their best selves. It is learning from them. Even though they are younger, their different points of view and different backgrounds help open my mind to other ways to accomplish goals. They have so much potential. It is welcoming kids on their first day of high school, being lucky enough to see them grow, and, after a couple of years, saying goodbye to them as young adults ready to conquer the world. 5
JON BENSON | BOARDING AT TFS
FAST FRIENDS TFS sophomore Claudia Del Cura is from Valladolid, Spain. She is proud of her country, especially the food and the holiday celebrations like Three Kings Day. “We have the magic of the kings,” she said. She loves her family, her friends, and her horse, Fred.
Jon Benson wants TFS boarding students to have an amazing Tallulah Falls School experience, and for our international students, an amazing American experience. “We want our boarding students to experience the culture, the food, the state and national parks, the shopping, the fair, and even the city. His dedication to the overall student experience at TFS has taken the program to new levels. Jon Benson has lived a lifetime of residential life. Benson has over 23 years of experience working with the Residential Life program at TFS. His extensive time as a dorm counselor taught him that life in the dorms isn’t just a job but a lifestyle that demands flexibility, a variety of roles, and round-the-clock availability. This unique position allows him to be deeply involved in one of the most enriching aspects of campus life: the boarding experience. Now in his third year as the director of residential life, Benson is committed to upholding the strong tradition of the boarding program while introducing new and exciting opportunities for students.
She has always been intrigued by the English language and America and wanted to learn more, so in August, she arrived at TFS and immediately immersed herself in academics, athletics, and campus life. “On TikTok, I saw people talk about life in the USA, and I wanted to come and do the same! I wanted to have a boarding experience,” she said. “And I just love it all!” Del Cura has already established lifelong friends and a passion for learning. Engaging classes, a well-balanced schedule, and the freedom to choose unique electives have made learning a positive experience for her. She especially enjoys Mrs. Borchers’ history class and Erin Jiminez’ science class because they have plenty of hands-on activities and lessons that helps students to clearly understand the subject and enjoy learning the material. One of Del Cura’s new friends is sophomore Liv Eckhard from Hamburg, Germany.
Under Benson’s leadership, the dormitory staff creates a home away from home and continually provides student growth opportunities. “We create a home environment,” Benson said. “They live in a world they want to be a part of. The overall effect – when students come to the dorms, they are coming to a welcoming environment, coming to a place where they belong, where they have responsibility, accountability, and ownership within the program, and they become problem solvers. They have pride in their space – in their community.” Benson sees students build confidence – confidence about getting up in the mornings, taking on their day, and taking a challenge to lead and learn. “The students feel safe, and when they feel safe, they learn to make good decisions and to be in control of their decisions,” he said. The boarding program fosters leadership opportunities by participating in councils, chairing committees, and taking on other leadership roles. “They develop unique skills that will help them in a college and professional setting,” Benson said. “When they leave, they are not just well-rounded academically but also as confident individuals.” “Watching these young people grow is fascinating. I can’t explain it, but they build bonds during their time with us. When you are around them, you can feel it.” 6 • ON CAMPUS MAGAZINE
LIV ECKHARD (LEFT), CLAUDIA DEL CURA (RIGHT)
“I had never been to America,” said Eckhard. “I wanted to improve my English, make friends from around the world, and get to know a new culture,” she said. “I have always wanted to go to school here. I had a lot of interviews with different schools, but TFS was the best one because everyone was so open and friendly.” Both girls feel like the dorms are like a home away from home. “We are so welcomed. The counselors really work to make it like our home,” said Eckherd. At the beginning of the school year, the girls especially liked the tubing trip for all of the boarding students. The trip gave them time to be together and make friends early in the year. “It is so beautiful here,” said Eckherd. “I love it so much.” And for Del Cura – “It is a dream come true.”
LIVING ON CAMPUS Dinh Dinh Phong Vo (’27): Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
It is my first year here at TFS. I have made great friends in the dorms. I enjoy boarding life because I can play tennis when I have free time, there is always good food, and I have good friends in the dorm. I also enjoy my classes and the clubs that are offered. I especially like my outdoor class. We got to go kayaking on the lake. It was my first time to kayak. I had fun with my friends and was glad we got to do something in the water. I joined the photography club. I never knew how to take photos, but now I can take good pictures. I am having a great time here.
Noah (’25) & David Massong (’27): Montmollin, Switzerland We’ve met a lot of new people and built strong relationships. People here are so kind. We like the school’s location in the mountains and being close to nature. There are no distractions. We can really focus. We play on the basketball team. It is nice to go directly to practice after school. And we like to play basketball with the other boarding students in the evenings. We also enjoy the time we spend with our friends in the dorms.
Alvaro Garcia Breton (’25): Madrid, Spain I am in my third year here at Tallulah Falls School. I am very involved. I run cross country, play on the soccer team, and am a huddle leader for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I am an ambassador and a member of the International Club. My time here at TFS has been a great experience. I have made so many memories. Everyone in this school has helped me in everything. All the people in the dorms from all the different cultures have opened my mind to see so much of this world and learn about traditions from other countries. The boarders do so many activities on the weekends on and off campus. Last year, we had basketball and soccer tournaments between countries. It was fun to see everyone participating. 7
REACHING FOR THE STARS ELIJAH CLOUATRE | 2018
Elijah Clouatre (’18) has spent his life trying to understand how the universe works. “The technology that it requires to study space – to get to space causes us to ask questions we would have never thought to ask,” he said. “And sometimes a good question is better than its answer.” “I was always the kid checking out the space books from my elementary school library. ‘1001 Facts About Space’ – I never put it down,” he said. “It was always super fascinating to me.” After graduating from TFS in 2018, Clouatre took his curiosity and questions to the University of North Georgia where he studied physics and then to the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he is currently studying Aerospace Engineering. At Georgia Tech, Clouatre has been involved in research projects in several labs. “One of my projects was helping to test mixtures of atmospheric gases for use in electric propulsion engines. If this works well we can reduce dependence on expensive noble gases,” said Clouatre. “We are trying to use atmospheric mixtures to test the viability of air-breathing satellites.” He also spent a year in a lab building and testing CubeSats. “It’s a satellite the size of an old DVD player,” he said. “This is a calibration mission to allow ground-based instruments to test and adjust their tracking measurements by following our satellite.” It must be designed to withstand the harsh environments of both launch and space. For Clouatre, the opportunities he has had through internships have boosted his experience, knowledge, and, of course, his resume. He currently works with the Georgia Tech Research Institute in the Advanced Warfighting Technologies Division.
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Over the summer, Clouatre’s childhood dream came true. He worked with the Space Force as a mission assurance intern. “I got to go down to Cape Canaveral, where I was up close and personal with the rockets tasked with delivering national security satellites into orbit,” he said. “When the Artemis II booster section arrived at Kennedy Space Center, I watched as it was transported into the vehicle assembly building.
That is the rocket that is going to take us back to the moon.” It was a surreal experience for Clouatre to walk under the launch vehicles, interact with the hardware, and watch them assemble rockets. He worked with the Fifth Space Launch Squadron which is tasked with the mission assurance for military payloads. Whenever the government buys a space vehicle, they have to go in and monitor the integration of the vehicle. “They have to account for all the procedures and issues that may impact the mission or its timeline. The engineers and military members are responsible for these tasks, and provide an assessment to the government assuring that the mission will be successful.” In December, he will graduate with a B.S. in physics (from UNG) and aerospace engineering (from GT). He has also received an associates degree in mathematics from the University of North Georgia. Clouatre has been accepted into the Aerospace Engineering master’s degree program at Georgia Tech.
FRIENDSHIPS AT TFS Elijah Clouatre’s experience at TFS highlights the power of friendship. Initially, when he and a small group from Woodville Elementary came to TFS for middle school, they found each other for lunch daily. They gradually grew as others joined them, and they named themselves “The Plebs.” Their friendship soon extended beyond lunchtime. By the time they graduated, there were over ten Plebs who did everything together.
Strong, Julian Murayama, Ian Carroll, and Austin Hunt. The group has remained close. “Everyone is still in contact. Just last weekend, I went camping with Eli and William,” said Metcalf. “This group gave me a perfect sense of friendship – lifelong friends to hold on to.”
Even now, as they each pursue their paths, the Plebs remain committed to their friendship. “We still get together and make time for each other – to grow our friendships The group included Elijah Clouatre, Noah and a network,” Clouatre shared. Metcalf, William Shanks, Riley Hunter, Cade Bramlett, Colton Meeks, Seth Johnson, Patton
BEYOND WORDS | MIN OH ’12 As a senior, Oh began the arduous process of applying and deciding on a college. “Choosing a college is an intense adventure for seniors. I applied to over 12 schools,” she said. Most notably, her college counselor, Bobby Hammond, shared that the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation Scholarship Program had started at Mercer University. “I was selected for the Stamps Scholarship and joined the inaugural cohort of Stamps Scholars at Mercer. I would not have known about the opportunity if it wasn’t for TFS,” she said. “It was a full ride, with a stipend and study-abroad support every year. It completely changed the trajectory of my college experience and opportunities that I was able to have during and after college.”
Having spent her elementary school years in New Jersey, Min Oh (’12) wanted to return to the U.S. “I wanted to go to a school that would prepare me for college and that was near nature,” she said. From their home in South Korea, Oh and her family began researching to find the right boarding school. They soon found TFS, which met all the criteria – a beautiful campus in the mountains, strong academics, a great dorm life, and good activities. In 2009, Oh began her first year at TFS. She quickly became involved in her studies, student government, and other activities. “I was a part of the TFS ambassador program,” she said. “I was one of the TFS student representatives who welcomed visitors to school events.” She also fondly remembers planning and setting up for the senior prom. “The SGA members and I stayed up late the night before decorating,” she said. “It was so nice to see everyone come together and enjoy the event we planned as students.” The intimate class setting felt like family for Oh – a support network that made her academic experience at TFS special. “I took a lot of math classes with Ms. Harris. She was always there to encourage and challenge me,” she said. “She also took us to math competitions to test our mathematical knowledge out of the classroom context.” Oh appreciates the classroom activities, presentations, and reading discussions with English teachers Kelli Bly and Scott Davis. “We engaged with our work creatively through projects and literary topics that we were curious about,” she said.
At Mercer, Oh majored in English literature and minored in Spanish and education. “Once I got to college, I was familiar with the culture of seminars, office hours, and talking to teachers and classmates about what we were reading and studying. The transition from high school to college was much easier because I had those opportunities at TFS,” she said. Oh planned to teach; however, she fell in love with education research, so she continued her studies at the Harvard Graduate School of Education to study language and literacy and then to Vanderbilt University’s Peabody College of Education to work on her PhD in special education. “The overarching focus of my work has always been language and literacy development, specifically for multilingual learners,” she said. Oh has a personal connection with growing up in a new country and learning a new language. “When I was young, I lived in New Jersey for a while and grew up as an English learner in the public school system,” said Oh. “I grew up learning a new language.” In addition, she comes from a family of educators, which contributes to her love of education. In August of 2023, after graduating from Vanderbilt, Oh began working as a Research Analyst at the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) Headquarters. “The overall goal of my work is to ensure high-quality education for all military-connected students,” she said. “Our work is happening all over the world.” Oh has a message for TFS students: “Take your work seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously. Enjoy field trips and friends. Do your best in the classroom, but also remember to have fun, spend time with your friends, and take a break.” 9
TWIN RIVERS CHALLENGE
DECADE RIDE On a breathtakingly beautiful autumn day, close to 200 cyclists from across the Southeast and beyond took on the 10th annual Twin Rivers Challenge hosted by Tallulah Falls School. On Saturday, October 26, cyclists rode 25, 46, or 70 miles through the northeast Georgia mountains with glorious views of the region’s lakes, rivers, and brightly colored leaves. The ride drew in a record number of riders from the region, some from as far as Pennsylvania and Colorado. Participants raved over the scenic views, the cheering crowd of students, and the post-ride meal. The fundraising event added over $85,000 to the school’s scholarship fund. “This is a great event for our school and the cycling community. More than 130 corporations, organizations, and individuals responded to the call to support TFS students,” said President and Head of School Larry A. Peevy. The ride’s presenting sponsor, Ron Cantrell Construction, Inc., covered all expenses, and Springer Mountain Farms sponsored the post-ride meal. “This strong partnership with RCCI and Springer Mountain Farms allows all other funds raised from sponsors and rider registration fees to benefit our students directly,” said Peevy. Peevy said that the entire faculty and staff coordinate efforts to “We are grateful to our volunteer scholarship committee, bring this ride to the cycling community – a popular event that who shared the TFS story with the community, leading to a continues to grow. successful fundraising effort.” “Our decade ride was a huge success. We could not have done it without sponsor and volunteer support,” said Director of Communications Elisha Boggs. “It is a delight to provide cyclists with an event they want to ride again each year, and in doing so, support our student body – giving them the opportunity they may not have otherwise.” Students, parents, teachers, and members of the Board of Trustees manned SAG stops along the route, passing out snacks and drinks and cheering for the riders. Scholarship committee chairperson Judy Forbes provides community connections to help raise funds. “It is rewarding to have such a great response from the community in support of our students, providing financial assistance for those who thrive at Tallulah Falls School and need some help to make it happen,” said Forbes. “The beautiful weather, a showing of fall leaf colors, and a record rider turnout made a great day for a bike ride! Many thanks go to our presenting sponsor, Ron Cantrell, and the sponsors who make this event worthwhile.” For more information, visit tallulahfalls.org/TRC or scan this QR code. 10 • ON CAMPUS MAGAZINE
2024 RIDE SPONSORS THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS FOR MAKING TALLULAH FALLS SCHOOL’S TENTH ANNUAL TWIN RIVERS CHALLENGE A HUGE SUCCESS FOR STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS
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EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING Our fifth graders didn’t just read about Lake Jocassee – the class experienced it. The group boarded a boat and spent the day on the lake, engaging in hands-on activities and making personal, ecological, and social connections with the importance of the wild, pristine, and natural spaces of Lake Jocassee and the Jocassee Gorges ecoregion. They looked at wildlife under a microscope, searched for salamanders, and learned about the quartz and the history of the lake. They also jumped from cliffs, stood in waterfalls, swam in the water, and kept the beat to songs with the Djembe drum. This was one of the many experiential learning trips our students take.
Eighth graders travel to Georgia’s Gold Coast in Savannah, where they take a historical walking tour of the city. They explore the coastal ecosystems on Tybee and Jekyll Islands and take a shrimp boat tour down the coast. Every January, the middle and upper school spend a day skiing on the slopes at Cataloochee Ski Area in Maggie Valley, NC. The third annual Mid-mester experience for upper school students offered unique learning opportunities through travel and exploration. Freshmen embarked on a journey to Florida’s Space Coast, where they visited the historic city of Saint Augustine and the Kennedy Space Center, enriching their understanding of history and space exploration. Our TFS sophomores immersed themselves in Charleston, South Carolina’s rich history, cultural diversity, and natural ecosystems.
Throughout the year, TFS students participate in experiential learning opportunities designed for each grade. Both students and teachers’ active engagement promotes meaningful and transformative learning-related attitudes, values, Meanwhile, juniors and seniors beliefs, and skills. could tailor their experiences to their future aspirations. Lower school students engage in They chose between college hands-on learning experiences or career exploration or trips to throughout the year. They travel destinations such as New York to museums, outdoor venues, and City, Germany, and Costa Rica. places like the Georgia Aquarium. These trips provided students real-world experiences, insights Our middle school students into potential career paths, and take multiple trips that provide exposure to different cultures and experiences for them to make environments. genuine connections with each other and develop an awareness The following pages will give you of cultures and worlds outside of an in-depth look at personal and their own community. Sixth and powerful moments our students seventh graders take day trips to experienced throughout this year’s local zoos, farms, and the beautiful Mid-mester experience. Northeast Georgia mountains in our backyard. The yearly rafting trip for our sixth graders is always a favorite. 12 • ON CAMPUS MAGAZINE
BIG CITY DREAMS Where can you go and see the best of everything? New York City, of course! From tourist attractions to improv workshops with Broadway performers, our TFS students experienced the best that New York has to offer. “Everything is world-class, even the smells and the bagels,” said Performing Arts Director and chaperone Jonathan Roberts. “The experiences – you can’t get anywhere else.” Upon arrival, the group of 17 hit the ground running, shopping in Times Square before visiting the Museum of Modern Art and taking a trip to the top of the SUMMIT to get a 360 degree view of the entire city. “We went to all the touristy places,” said junior Isabella McClain. “We went to two Broadway shows, we hiked through the city, we took the subway – we went to Central Park. We felt like we were actually in the
flow of New York, not just visiting.” Seeing Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh in person was a highlight of McClain’s trip to the Museum of Modern Art; however, creating art to hang with thousands of others as part of an interactive exhibit was quite memorable.
was insane,” said McClain. “The technical elements we use in our performances are there, but theirs are incredible. They can make glow-in-the-dark writing on the wall. There was so much work with the lighting, which was cool to see in person.”
The Meet the Artist and Improv workshop was a favorite for most of the group. An actor from Little Shop of Horrors joined them and shared pointers and life stories from someone who lives and works in the Broadway scene, which they carried into their improv performances. “We got to tap into our strengths and see what we could do,” said McClain.
TFS students watched real people diving into their craft and working in New York City, making their dreams come true. Their desire to dream big and think outside the box grew as they experienced the fullness of New York. “It brought the part inside of me that wants to do that to life – I got to see it On two of their evenings, the group happening. It is not a faraway went to Off-Broadway’s “The Little dream – people are doing it Shop of Horrors” and the huge every day in New York,” said production of “Harry Potter and the McClain. “It was such a fun trip.” Cursed Child” on Broadway. “It
“It brought the part inside of me that wants to do that to life – I got to see it happening. It is not a faraway dream – people are doing it every day in New York.” - Isabella McClain
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EXPERIENCING CULTURES From white water rafting in the morning to a quick change of clothes for a hike in the afternoon, 35 TFS students embraced each moment exploring Costa Rica’s lush flora and fauna, tasting the colorful, exotic fruits, and experiencing the wildlife, the people, and the adventure. It was junior Bailey Crumley’s first time out of the country. “We tried a lot of interesting foods, and our adventures were filled with adrenaline rushes – white water rafting, zip-lining through the canopy, and hiking to giant waterfalls and volcanos.” The group visited La Chimba coffee plantation, where they learned the history of Costa Rican Arabica coffee. “We watched them roast the beans,” said Crumley. “They told us how they bring the flavors out. We tasted the bean before and after it was roasted, and we learned the process they use to grow the plants – how important it is to take care of the soil to grow organic, pesticidefree coffee.” The leafcutter ants sparked students’ curiosity as they watched them march along the ground during a night hike in the rainforest. They played in the dirt at Vida Campesina organic farm, where they saw how they use the land to farm sustainably. “They took us up a hill into a pavilion where there was a machine that crushed sugar cane,” said Crumley. “We got to run the machine and then tasted the sugar cane.” The Mid-mester trip was a rich experience, but visiting a local school was the highlight for the group.
Costa Rica “The kids were so excited to see us and to talk with us in English,” said Crumley. “They wanted to try their English and teach us games. They shared fruit with us and made us key chains. It was fun to be with them and hear about their lives.” Crumley observed that although it is not the wealthiest country, everyone is so unbelievably happy and has a positive outlook on life even though their situations are not the best. “We are so blessed – so fortunate. I want to have a better outlook on life,” she said. TFS Director of Security Dustin Rogers served as a chaperone on the trip. Rogers noticed that the TFS group was eager to connect with the students at the school. “They wanted to talk to and play with them,” he said. “They saw that the kids worked hard, and they recognized that and appreciated it.” “I am struck by how resilient our students are,” said science teacher and chaperone Liz Barraco. “The trip was phenomenal, but the itinerary pushed the students to keep going. They embodied the common saying in Costa Rica of ‘Pura Vida,’ which translates to ‘pure life’ but means that we are lucky to be alive in all moments. Having a wonderful day? ‘Pura Vida.’ In the middle of a long, sweaty hike? ‘Pura Vida.’”
“The trip was phenomenal.” -Liz Barraco 14 • ON CAMPUS MAGAZINE
LEARNING ABROAD
Junior Jessica Cook felt like she was walking into a postcard when she stepped into the streets of Munich, Germany. “It was a sunny day – the sky was blue, and I was just wowed. I didn’t expect to be blown away,” said Cook. “The landscape and the scenery were the highlights for me. The Alps – I have not seen any mountains that big with snowcaps, and I loved the little towns at the foot of the mountains.”
The group saw sections of the Berlin Wall, Checkpoint Charlie, and the Reichstag Building and its rooftop dome in Berlin. “These moments created unforgettable experiences for our students and broadened their ability to comprehend and understand the world around them,” said Anthony Cox. “Some incredibly monumental events impacting the course of history took place in Germany, and to see that firsthand – it had a major impact on the students.”
Upper school history teacher and chaperone Jennifer Cox said that seeing the Alps was a big moment for the entire group. “They had all learned about them at some point, so seeing them up close and personal – amazing,” she said. “The moment the students first glimpsed them, there was a collective ‘It’s the ALPS!’ followed by all the ohhhhhhhs and ahhhhhhhs, and then, stunned silence.”
The trip allowed TFS students to immerse themselves in a different culture. “It pushed our students out of their comfort zones and required them to use the skills they have learned at TFS to adapt,” said Jennifer Cox. “None of our students had taken German, yet they picked up on German words and phrases along the way.” The group listened closely and worked to find ways to communicate. This was enhanced as they stepped into the normal everyday places like McDonald’s, the grocery store, and the open-air markets.
All but one of the nine TFS students who traveled to Germany for Mid-mester had not been to Europe, and many had never traveled outside of the United States. “It was an invaluable experience for them to better understand life outside of their small-town USA bubble,” said TFS Dean of Enrollment Management and chaperone Anthony Cox. “They were able to see a different way of life and experience things that were new and odd to them.” The trip included touring multiple meaningful points of interest. Students visited the Imperial Castle of Nuremberg and places throughout Bavaria, like Munich and Neuschwanstein Castle, along with the gut-wrenching visit to Dachau Concentration Camp.
Cook hopes this will be the beginning of more European trips. It helped her to see how impactful a study abroad experience will be. “Hopefully, it was not a once-in-alifetime thing,” said Cook. “It would be nice to go back.”
“When the students first glimpsed the Alps, there was a collective gasp.” - Jennifer Cox
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HISTORICAL CHARLESTON Sophomores soaked in Charleston’s rich history and natural beauty. From touring the grounds of Boone Hall plantation, to standing barefoot in the sand holding a crab for the first time, the trip provided them with opportunities to explore and learn about the area. The group shopped in the Charleston Market, toured the Old Exchange, and visited Patriots Point. Students took in the city via a Pirate History walking tour, which gave them a unique way to see the city. “I am fascinated with big cities,” said sophomore Cody Loonubon. “The city was not a skyscraper city, but full of smaller, unique buildings and large churches with cool architecture.”
At the Avian Conservation Center, they had an up-close view of bird flight demonstrations and unique insights into the lives and adaptations of birds of prey. At the Sewee Environmental Education Center, they learned about the valuable ecosystems of the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge and the Francis Marion National Forest. The group also sailed on the Palmetto Breeze to see the coast from a different perspective and took a Barrier Island Eco Tour. “The trip out on the boat was beautiful. I loved the eco-tour,” said Loonubon. “We rode a small boat towards the barrier reef, and then we got out and walked around the shore. There
was a lot of driftwood and palmetto trees, and we got up close and personal with ghost crabs.” “The Charleston trip is a memory that the 10th graders will never forget,” said history teacher and chaperone Nancy Almoyan. “The way history is brought to life in Charleston is like nothing you could share in the classroom. It was quite an experience to witness the architecture with our own eyes and walk on the cobblestone street, not to mention the boat ride to a remote island to see marine biology in its untouched natural habitat. These are all aspects of the trip that are irreplaceable.”
“It was quite an experience to witness the architecture with our own eyes and walk on the cobblestone streets, not to mention the boat ride to a remote island to see marine biology in its untouched natural habitat.” - Nancy Almoyan
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INTERACTIVE LEARNING The ninth-grade Mid-mester trip to the Florida Atlantic coast offers students a unique, hands-on opportunity to engage with history, science, and technology beyond the classroom. The group visited the Kennedy Space Center, where students stepped into a world of space exploration with a firsthand look at the magnitude of human achievement and innovation, possibly inspiring future interests in STEM fields. The group participated in a Q&A with astronaut Ken Cameron, saw the original space shuttle, the Atlantis, and strapped in for a simulation of the space shuttle’s eight-and-a-half-minute ascent into orbit. The Dolphin Encounter at Marineland provided our students with an unforgettable interactive experience with their dolphins. “Watching the excitement from the students during this encounter, where they made a personal connection to marine science and conservation, was a highlight for me,” said upper school history and journalism teacher and chaperone Audrey Borchers.
Bray also reflected on their time at Fort Matanzas in Saint Augustine as she gained an understanding of its significance to American history. “It was a really important fort. It was a place that was constantly invaded because it led to the river and sea, and it was important to be able to protect it,” said Bray. Last but not least, the tour at Daytona International Speedway was equally impactful, blending engineering with real-world application. Witnessing the speedway firsthand and experiencing a track tour invited students to think about the blend of technology, physics, and sports science that makes racing possible. These moments made the whole trip worthwhile by sparking curiosity, building connections to classroom learning, and creating memories.
For freshman Abigail Bray, as a first-year student at TFS, the trip helped her to make friends. “I didn’t know anyone when we left, but I got to know people better,” she said.
Each experience is sparking curiosity, building connections to classroom learning, and creating memories.
Florida Coast
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COLLEGE TOURS During College Exploration week, students visited several campuses and collaborated with TFS counselors and faculty to focus on their college application process. The visits provided insights into campus life, admission requirements, academic programs, and more. The group received valuable guidance, whether they were at the beginning of their college research or finalizing their applications. Students created a vision board to outline the steps they want to take as they explore colleges and complete applications. Afterward, the group visited several schools in the Georgia area: the University of Georgia, Piedmont University, University of North Georgia, SCAD, Georgia Institute of Technology, Young Harris College, and Berry College. The tours opened the door for senior Alana Strachan to weigh the difference between larger and smaller schools, gain insight into what college programs offer, and see what learning communities look like. “At Piedmont University, we saw the community and learned about the dorm experience,” she said. “It also helped me discover more about what I want to study, and I was able to see that
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a medium-sized school is a good fit for me.” Strachan plans to pursue a career in athletic training. The group spent time on campus at TFS, working on their college applications or focusing on identifying their ideal college criteria. They also started developing their college portfolios and resumes. Senior Justin Smith appreciated how much he was able to accomplish. “It opened my eyes to the application process, and I made a lot of headway in applying to schools,” he said. As an international student, it helped him understand what he must do in the upcoming weeks and months. “I need to make sure I am looking into colleges, scholarships, and schools open to international students. I know I can look at colleges like Mercer because they are open to international students and offer scholarships to international students.” Senior Ayshah McDonald plans to study business economics and finance. The college tours helped her establish what she should look for in an academic program, but she was inspired to also pay attention to the community to see that it is a good fit for her. “We learned so much.”
PREPARING FOR LIFE The Mid-mester job shadowing experience provided valuable exposure for juniors and seniors to explore different career paths. Students spent at least 20 hours shadowing in hospitals, real estate agencies, schools, large and small businesses, and more. They also received instruction in essential skills like job application processes, resume building, interview techniques, and networking.
RYLEE VANDIVER My name is Rylee Vandiver. I am a senior at Tallulah Falls School. I participated in the Job Shadow Experience during Mid-mester. I shadowed in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Athens Regional Hospital in Athens, Georgia. I worked with three and four-pound babies. I fed them, checked their vitals, and took care of their specific needs. After we fed them, we burped them, bathed them, and changed out their sheets. Some of the babies needed more care than others. In between, I was either talking to parents, educating parents, or charting. I had thought it would be a sad, loud, chaotic environment, but it was peaceful, calming, and positive. The camaraderie between the nursing staff was so strong. They were always willing to help each other out. One of the nurses has worked in the NICU for 40+ years. She was a good teacher. I thought it would be tiring to work the 12-hour shifts, but I was in absolute awe. It felt like I was in a dream. It went by quickly – it was also probably adrenaline. I thought I would give nursing a try and fell in love with it. Now, I want to be a NICU nurse.
Job Shadowing
MIAH GRAGG My name is Miah Gragg. I am a senior at TFS. One day, I plan to own a small business. Before our job shadowing experiences, we met as a group to prepare. We created job resumes. We had individual help from Mr. Stille to review our resume. Gail Welborn, the director of human resources at Habersham Electric Membership Corporation, spoke to us about jobs, resumes, interviews, and what to expect. She covered everything we needed to know. I job shadowed at Rahab’s Rope – a small non-profit organization. We tagged products, took inventory, and helped customers. The director of sales, Jennifer Lunsford, taught me about their mission statement and showed me how communication takes place within their business. I learned how important it is to have strong connections in the business community. The more people you partner with and make friends with, the more traction you get and the more products you sell, and for Rahab’s Rope, the more people they can help. After my job shadowing experience, we came back to campus and worked on preparing for our mock interviews. We printed out our resumes and a job sheet that explained our job shadowing experience. Jesse Owensby, Cornelia’s community development manager, interviewed me. She asked me in-depth questions, like “What are your weaknesses?” Now that I have had a mock interview, I won’t be surprised when I have an interview in real life. 19
liligght in the mountains
On, Friday, October 18, TFS held the inaugural Light in the Mountains Festival – a delightful evening of face painting, games, hay rides, delicious food, and time together. The athletic fields turned into an arena for sliding, jumping, bouncing, playing games, dunking faculty, and more. “Our faculty, staff, students, and parents loved being all in one place,” said President and Head of School Dr. Larry A. Peevy. “We are glad to be able to provide an opportunity for everyone from all over campus to enjoy each other’s company, to have fun, visit, and relax. The event truly captured the spirit of our TFS community.”
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The hayride blended the charm of a campus tour with the thrill of the season. Parents had the chance to explore the upper school while enjoying the festive atmosphere created by fine arts students, showcasing their talent and creativity. Multiple food trucks were on hand including TFS seventh grader Ruby Sue Anderson’s, mobile lemonade stand, Sunny Sips. She donated all proceeds to the softball and tennis teams. The TFS BBQ Club, 1909 Mountain Smoke, made its debut appearance with culinary art teacher Toby Hunter and club members serving delicious smoked pork. Alumna Amelia Provine’s (’16) parents brought their Oba
Brazilian Cuisine food truck. TNT Tacos, Mike’s Boiled Peanuts, Cafe Cubanos, and Kona Ice also provided food at the event. “It truly takes a collective effort and collaboration to create such a memorable evening,” said Director of Retention and Festival Coordinator Kim Popham. “A special thanks to Carrie Akers, Rebecca Harris, Sarah Higgins, Heather NeSmith, Lindsay Hatcher, and Desiree Head for serving on our committee and helping to make the event a success.” The Light in the Mountains Festival was a true reflection of our TFS culture. We can’t wait until next year!
ROBOTICS CLUB The Robotics Club has a mission: design, build, test, and program a robot to perform a series of tasks autonomously and under driver control. “We are taking a vision and creating a design by assembling parts that already exist with pieces that we design and print. These are combined with hardware, electrical and mechanical parts to perform work,” said engineering teacher and club sponsor Scott Davis. “We combine all things – the one thing we do that unites all engineering fields.”
Sophomore Josh Lander programmed the robot. “It consists of making a program that allows the drivers to control the robot and creating an autonomous script which allows it to move on its own,” he said. “We are trying to make it easy for drivers to use in the game.”
Each year, the club takes their robot to competitions to test it against other teams’ robotic creations. This year’s competition series theme is “Into the Deep.” Each team’s robot emulates an underwater robot that dives and collects samples from the ocean floor, drops those samples into baskets, and then connects itself to the basket for a ride back to the surface.
Senior William Xu is a secondary programmer who has learned how to help the robot camera detect an object and move independently.
Senior Aidan VanOrman built the robot. “I work on wiring management – ordering the wires and placing five servos, six motors, and a camera, all with extensive battery connections,” he said. Junior Mitchell McGahee designed all the 3D parts. “I designed and printed the gripper, the battery case, and the team number signs,” he said. “I have experience working with 3D design and functional parts and printing to simplify things.”
Senior TJ Cox is an auxiliary designer. “I want to go into a tech field, so it is really helpful to get experience working with this sort of thing,” he said.
Each member’s role is crucial to the robot’s success, but it goes further than that. When the team arrives at the competition, they partner with another team in a match that they may compete against in another match. “It is referred to as ‘coopertition,’” said Davis. “We will get better when we help each other become better. The coopertition is the spirit of everyone helping each other become better.” From coding, designing, wiring, building, printing, creating, communicating, and working together, club members’ deep dive into robotics has provided each member with numerous mechanical and relational skills. 21
THE BELLS OF TFS Throughout history, bells have told the world of good news. We sing about them in songs of good tidings, and we read about them in poems and stories. Bells are even part of athletic celebrations. “A boxing match starts and ends with the bell clanging,” said President and Head of School Dr. Larry A. Peevy. “Using bells for celebration quickly spread to other sports and activities.” At TFS, bells are a central part of campus life and celebrations. When plans were drawn for the Larry A. Peevy Upper School Academic Complex, the design included a bell tower. The bell journeyed 5,000 miles from the foundry in the Netherlands, where it was cast. This 982-pound bronze behemoth proudly announces the passing of each hour throughout the day.
When the Student Activities Center was built, a bell, generously donated by TFS Trustee Gewene Womack, was installed in front of the building to celebrate victories in the athletic program. And now the bell is also used at the lower and middle school house induction to welcome new students and to celebrate our graduates on graduation day. Victory bells are also located by the baseball field and the tennis courts, where players can ring to celebrate their victories. Rev. James E. Turpin Sr. (’55) donated the bell at the tennis courts, and Peevy and his wife Dinah donated the victory bell for the baseball field. There are plans to install a bell near the soccer field.
EQUESTRIAN TEAM
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The equestrian team had an award winning fall season. The team competed at the Peach State Miniature Horse Show and the Newton County Saddle Club Show.
how to work with the horses,” she said. Fifth grader Allegra Perry and seventh grader Savannah Pastor returned for a second season, and this year, sixth grader Gwen Peters joined the team.
“This year has been an outstanding year for the team,” said Director of the Equestrian Program Dinah Peevy. “Each one of the girls is capable of winning a blue ribbon in every event they participate in, and many have done just that. It has been fun for me to watch them and celebrate their success.”
“The girls have really developed. They have improved their driving skills, jumping ponies, and showing halter,” said Peevy.
TFS Alum Brooke Hayes (’24) competed with the equestrian team through the summer. She won the Reserve National Championship. This Senior Victoria VerBerkmoes has stepped fall, Hayes helped coach the team. up in the program. She won multiple awards at Peach State and Newton, and her President and Head of School Larry A. leadership is invaluable to the young team. Peevy sincerely appreciates the time and “She is so good with the kids,” said Peevy. effort that Dinah Peevy has given to the students in the program. He travels with “She is willing to help all the other girls.” the team and can see firsthand that they VerBerkmoes has enjoyed mentoring have developed confidence and skills. the girls. “It was a season to refine everything and teach the new members
LIANJIE “JERRY ” WEI | 2016 When Lianjie “Jerry” Wei (’16) wanted a different experience in his life, he and his family decided that attending boarding school in America was a good choice. They came across Tallulah Falls School. “We recognized it as one of the better boarding schools in the United States,” said Wei. “After being interviewed, I received an acceptance letter and knew I wanted to go.”
“Teachers gave me the freedom to pursue what I wanted to pursue. I liked my chemistry classes a lot,” Wei said. “Dr. Morris not only taught us well, but she also gave us the freedom to explore.” As a senior, he designed his research project from scratch. “Ms. Popham and Dr. Morris helped me do the project and helped me purchase the materials I needed for the project. I really appreciated that.”
In the fall of 2012, Wei boarded a plane in Beijing, China, traveled across the world, and began his freshman year at TFS. Moving to a new country far away from home was a huge cultural adjustment for Wei, but teachers, staff, and students warmly welcomed him, and he adjusted to life at TFS. “I was able to find my group of people,” he said, “ I made good friends, and the teachers were friendly. I loved my first history teacher, Ms. Carter, and my math teacher, Coach Heyl.”
As a boarding student, he served as a student life assistant. He appreciated the diversity of different cultures within the residential life community at TFS. “It was the first time I interacted with people from different cultures, Americans and other international students,” he said. In 2016, Wei graduated from TFS and continued his studies at UNC-Chapel Hill, where he double-majored in chemistry and biology with a biochemistry track.
“I still value my boarding experience at TFS. It helped me gain a unique perspective on life and to see the world differently. And now I have great friends across the world.” In 2020, Wei began pursuing his doctorate in biochemistry at Washington University in St Louis. He is now a PhD candidate with plans to graduate in May of 2025. Wei researches how cells know when to turn over mitochondria and what happens if this process isn’t done correctly in the cell. “Mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell. When a cell doesn’t turn over enough, it leads to neurodegenerative diseases,” he said. Wei is part of a group of scientists who are the first to show the importance of “finetuning” mitochondrial turnover on cell and human health. “I really like the idea to learn something that is previously unknown by humans. We are at the forefront of human knowledge,” he said. “All we do leads to new knowledge unknown to human kind. This motivates me.” Wei plans to pursue a career in academia and hopes to someday run his own laboratory at a research institute. Wei has advice for TFS students: Follow your passion. Don’t be afraid to pursue it. If there is no apparent opportunity to pursue it, create one yourself. It might be one email or request away from becoming true. A lot of achievements I was able to make were because I overcame the anxiety and fear of being rejected and actually reached out to people. There were opportunities for me, and there are opportunities for you. 23
VA R S I TY YOUNG CORE LEADS TFS TO ELITE 8
Embracing change leads to personal growth and success. That's exactly what the 2024 Lady Indians volleyball team did. Playing in an all-new association in GIAA, surrounded by some old foes and new region opponents TFS excelled in what was another historic season. With still two holdovers from the 2022 State Championship team — junior Rebecca Heyl and senior Chesney Tanksley, the roster still had that DNA present. However, a couple freshmen were thrust into action, along with other first-year varsity players. The freshmen duo of Ca'Rin Swinton and Lily Smith, combined with sophomore Shelby Whisnant, exceeded expectations and became reliable playmakers. Junior newcomers from Spain Laura Ruiz Rendon and Margalida Amengual Sanchez anchored down starting roles and played very well. Add in senior veterans Jace Ibemere, Caroline Smith, Julia Smith, Tanksley, and the roster was fairly balanced. The result? A 26-win season that closed with a trip to the Elite 8 for only the second time in program history. Through the first 28 matches, Tallulah Falls held a respectable 14-14 mark. Several youngsters improved on the job and made the necessary adjustments to the speed of the varsity level. From there, the girls began to click. The rest of the season, TFS went 12-2, falling only in the Region Championship match and then in the Elite 8, both to top-5 ranked teams. The Lady Indians tallied a 9-1 region record and finished as Runner-Up in Region 4-AAA. The 26 wins included five against state-ranked opponents and a 10-match win streak which represents the second-best streak in school history. In the opening round of state — the Sweet 16 — the Lady Indians rolled past Stratford Academy, a #9-ranked program, in straight sets. Several players put up big numbers throughout the
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campaign, including Heyl, who led the team in kills (255) and digs (293), and was third in aces (79) earning AllRegion honors. Joining her on the All-Region list included Sanchez and Swinton. Sanchez, who joined with Tanksley as the key setters, led in assists (457) and had 130 kills, 257 digs, and the second-most aces (87). Swinton was a force at the net, notching a team-high 39 blocks while chipping in with 131 kills and 107 digs. Heyl and Sanchez were named All-State as well. Rendon had 285 digs, 124 kills, and 43 aces, and Whisnant at one point was one of the nation's top servers while totaling a team-high 107 aces (96.5% serve), adding 121 kills and 125 digs. Among the many highlights of the season also included Tanksley topping 1,000 career assists, landing third on the all-time list. Julia Smith also had a memorable performance when she collected a single-match record of 30 digs. The top wins of the season came against #4 Loganville Christian, #9 Stratford (Sweet 16), #9 South Gibson County (TN), #9 Lakeview, and #9 Union County. Coach Matt Heyl, who is now at 186 career wins and closing in on 200, guided the Lady Indians to a 10th straight playoff trip. Under his guidance, the program has tallied five Region Runner-Up, two Region Championship finishes, and a State Championship. They also made the Sweet 16 or advanced further in six out of seven seasons in his tenure. Though five seniors — those aforementioned along with manager Ella Akers — depart, the future remains bright with the rest of the roster intact and several up-and-coming JV and middle school talents.
VARSITY | CROSS COUNTRY BYE…that was the moniker that coach Scott Neal gave his cross country teams to embrace and rally around. It stands for “Best Year Ever.” They took it to heart and made history, as both teams either set a new program-record or tied it when finishing in the top-10 at the GIAA State Championships. Each runner dug deep to find another gear when they needed it most, pushing past the pain to cross the finish line in course bests, personal records, and legacy list earning times. When the dust settled following the historic run at the state meet, the accolades and numbers are clear – this was the best season in TFS Cross Country history. The Indians came in with a program-best 4th-place at the state meet, making the first top-5 finish since 1990. TFS came in 3rd at region to qualify for its sixth consecutive state appearance. The boys had a solid 1-2 punch in sophomore Teagan Penland and senior leader Timothy Beck. Behind them were typically sophomore Ryan Anderson and freshman Avery Chatman. Sophomore Oier Linera Mallea was also in that mix, and senior Jedd Thomas rounded out the top six. Each of them ran at state. Sophomore Gavin Simmons and senior Alvaro Garcia Breton also were instrumental. Penland posted seven top-5 finishes, including coming in first twice. He had nine top-10 runs and set a PR of 16:27, placing him second on the TFS Legacy List. Penland had a 9th-place finish at state and was the Region Runner-Up. Meanwhile, Beck posted seven top-20 runs including a pair of top5s, and his PR at the same meet of 17:39 is 8th on the Legacy List. Penland was named All-State. The Lady Indians placed 7th at state, matching their program record set last season. The 3rdplace finish at region qualified the team for the fourth year in a row. Sophomore Olivia Henderson led the pack frequently, posting a pair of 1st-place runs and seven top-10s. Fellow sophomores Avery Keim (three top-5s) and Delaney Johnson (four top20s) and junior Carsyn Griffis (six top-20s) were consistent as well. That quartet along with senior Lizzie Huebner, junior Meredith Orr, and freshman Sofia Alderfer all competed at state. Henderson’s 21:39 PR is good for 5th on the Legacy List. Keim’s 22:07 PR ranks 8th. Henderson (19th) had the 4th top-20 finish ever at state for the girls.
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VARSITY | SOFTBALL In writing the first chapter for the varsity softball program at Tallulah Falls, a foundation was laid that includes learning the game, bonding through challenges, and making memories as “firsts.” In the process, TFS captured some history in earning back-to-back wins throughout the schedule under head coach Jenny Long. From the moment the first pitch and at-bat took place against Banks County in early August, the Lady Indians continued to grow as a team and as individuals. And the fun was evident, as players were often beaming with excitement and cheering each other on every single game. Charlotte Stafford recorded the first-ever hit against Union County, with Juliana Roberts notching the first double and RBI in the same day. Katie Anderson had the first stolen base in that game, too. As the season progressed, Tallulah Falls scored more runs, made more defensive plays, and got closer to the inevitable first win. That came at The King’s Academy on September 7. In the first game of the twin-billing, the girls won 15-3. That was followed with a thrilling 15-13 second game. Anderson made history with the first and second homeruns in the same game, recording five RBI in the process.
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Callie Craver bravely faced a tough schedule all season long and earned two wins with 59 strikeouts. Anderson, a senior lefty shortstop, dazzled in the field and at the plate. She paced the offense with team-highs in average (.475), HR (3), RBI (11), runs (14), and SB (12). Senior Alana Strachan (.308, 4 R, 2 RBI), junior Roberts (.297, 6 RBI, 5 R), junior Abby McCoy (.286, 5 RBI, 4 R), and junior Stafford (.267, 9 R) were consistent threats in the lineup. Overall, TFS went 2-18, while going 2-12 in region contests. The Lady Indians bring back a large majority of the team for next season, but will graduate Anderson, Joliet Okoronkwo, Strachan, Rylee Vandiver, and Lizzy Wanner.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
SPORTS
Tallulah Falls Middle School had a fantastic fall season. Of the six teams (four sports) active, three won their respective league titles, and others made history as well. The Lady Indians volleyball team was nearly unbeatable throughout the season, as Matt Crotta’s group went 11-2 all the way to the North GA Volleyball League Championship, with players such as Isabella Watts, Tori Crotta, Becca Roberts, and Emmalyn Whisnant leading the charge. The Indians tennis team made it to back-to-back Southern Mountain League Championships after going 9-1 and winning the title match. Elijah Pinney, Jackson Davis, and Matteus York headlined the lineup at singles positions. The MS girls cross country team reclaimed the Tri-State Championship, as Wynn Whitlark (undefeated in the TriState meets she ran in) and Kimber Shurtliff were consistently ahead of the pack. Meanwhile, the Lady Indians softball team had their first-ever middle school season and earned a win, and the girls tennis team made a run to the semifinals of the league tournament in what was a nice rebound season. The boys cross country team finished as Tri-State Runner-Up, with Brody Dampier winning the individual title.
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RUNNING DOWN A DREAM me through everything I do, so I can get all my strength TEAGAN PENLAND with through Him.”
Tapping into that strength has paced Penland. He put the finishing touches on a season that saw him set a new PR of 16:27, good for the second spot on the TFS Legacy List. He was 9th at state, leading the boys to a program-record 4thplace finish, and he was the Region Runner-Up. Teagan also placed in the top-5 seven times (two 1st-place runs) and had 11 top-20 finishes. Those results don’t just happen, though.
Run rhymes with fun. They’re not mutually exclusive, though. Some people love to run…others do not. Count Teagan Penland (’27) as part of the former. Those who make up the latter often ask the former the simple question of ‘why?’ “I really love running for two main reasons,” answers Penland, the cross country sophomore sensation who earned All-State and All-Region honors following his stellar season. “Firstly, easy running, which makes up a large chunk of my training, is a great form of meditation, and it’s great for relaxing and thinking. It’s also a great way to see the great outdoors, appreciate nature around this area, and explore places people usually don’t go. Secondly, I love seeing my times improve over weeks, months, and years. I started running in eighth grade because I wanted to try new things and my dad already ran some. On top of those, I really love the team aspect of cross county. Starting with cross country instead of track helped me like running, as cross country is way more fun and typically feels less serious.” While running long distance for the cross country team doesn’t feel as serious, Penland is all business at any given meet, pushing himself to new heights even when his body might be nearing a burnout. “The main idea that pushes me through the hard parts is the desire to be the best runner I can be,” says Penland. “I might imagine runners like Lex or Leo Young, Jojo Jourdon, or Jakob Ingebrigtsen. I know these people have had harder workouts, and if I don’t do mine, I’ll regret it later. Another thing that really drives me is prayer, and knowing God is 28 • ON CAMPUS MAGAZINE
“I’ve put a lot of work into this season,” says Penland. “Over the summer, I honestly didn’t do too much running until the later weeks, but then I built up until the last two weeks of preseason when I did about 40 miles each week. Throughout the season, I’ve been averaging about 20-ish miles weekly, which compared to the top dogs is not great, but I’ve had plenty of improvement and good performances, so there’s definitely some merit to the training style.” As aforementioned, Penland’s love for running also stems from his dad, Jon. He recently completed a 100-mile run as a personal endeavor. “Fitness is very important in my family,” adds Teagan. “All my siblings are required to do some sort of physical activity throughout the year, whether it be running, swimming, tennis, etc. My dad has inspired me plenty, and while I’m young it’s best to stick to shorter distances while I’ve still got speed, but someday I want to get into ultramarathons and trail racing like he does.” Teagan is one of six siblings, so that dynamic has shaped part of who he is as an individual.
“The dynamic of having so many siblings has impacted me, and I’d say it’s helped me strive to be more independent,” echoes Penland. “I feel like the biggest values my parents have helped instill in me are just being a good person, doing the right thing, and being responsible in everything.” Some of the goals and aspirations Teagan has in mind appear out of reach for the average runner. But he’s anything but that. He desires to break the school records for 5K in XC, the 800, 1600, and 3200 in track and field, and perhaps win a team and/or individual state title in the process.
they just wouldn’t suit me (Places like OU, Wake Forest, Stanford). I wouldn’t want to go somewhere where I would start out being one of the better runners either because it wouldn’t push me to get better. Realistically, I’d like to stay somewhere in Georgia, going somewhere like Georgia Tech to study computer engineering. Past college, I’ve got no idea about competing, but I’ll definitely keep running at the very least casually.” Maybe by then he’ll be running those ultramarathons or trails with his dad. Until then, ‘Run Teagan, Run!’
“I’m about 45 seconds off of the 5K record, and I believe with enough work through the summer I could have a chance at it next year,” states Penland. “I’m 1:09 off of the 3200, and 10 seconds off the 800, neither of which are events I love. My closest one, the 1600 (or roughly a mile), I’m only 18 seconds off, and I plan on having it next year if at all possible. There are also a number of both track and cross country meets (Arcadia Invitational, Hoka Festival of Miles, Nike Outdoor Nationals, etc. for track, and Nike Cross Nationals, RunningLane CC Championship, and Footlocker Cross Regionals, etc.) outside of the regular season that are bigger than any regular season meet and placing highly at one of those is definitely a major goal.” Teagan is a standout student, holding a 4.0 weighted GPA and making the Presidential Scholar list nearly every semester in high school. Penland’s goal-oriented mind already knows what he’d like to be doing in a few years. “I do plan on running in college, and it would be cool to run at a top D1 school but the very top ones would most likely be a bit fast for me,” he adds. “Even if I could make some,
MY BROTHER’S KEEPER CARSYN GRIFFIS
Major tragedies have a way of stopping people in their tracks — losing those close to you, especially family, is paralyzing. It changes a person forever. For some, enduring such life-altering events provides a new perspective on life. Some survivors of said tragedies discover newfound motivation to not just continue on, but to excel in all they do. To read the full story, please scan the QR code below:
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TAKING FLIGHT MAGGIE PEACOCK | 2022
The sky’s the limit to what Maggie Peacock (’22) can do, especially when she is flying at 15,000 feet, piloting a Cessna 172S plane. The story begins at a Habersham County Rotary meeting Peacock attended with her father when she was a sophomore at Tallulah Falls School. That day, she heard a presentation on local flight schools offering lessons at the Habersham County Airport. Peacock was intrigued, so she signed up for a discovery flight. “I did one flight and fell in love with it,” said Peacock. She immediately started taking flight lessons with Blue Skies Aviation/ Horizon and soon decided to acquire her private license. Peacock’s parents and TFS were supportive of her goal. “Ms. Popham set up a work-study my senior year so I could go to the airport in the mornings, do more flight training, and have more time to learn about the ins and outs of the airport,” she said. “Ms. Popham even showed up at the airport on the day of my private check ride.” Peacock was not only soaring in the sky, she was also soaring in the classroom. She thrived in the intimate learning environment at TFS. “All of my teachers were phenomenal,” she said. “They were always available when I needed them, and I loved them all.” She took honors chemistry, college Chemistry 214, college Chemistry 224, and honors physics from Beth Heubner. “Maggie rises to a challenge and is willing to work to achieve her goals,” said Heubner. “She knows what she wants and will put in the time and effort to get there.” Maggie was determined to get ahead and took advantage of the college courses taught on campus. “The dual enrollment on campus was extremely helpful,” she said. “I graduated from high school with over 40 college credits. I will graduate from college in 2.5 years because of dual enrollment.” 30 • ON CAMPUS MAGAZINE
These two experiences merged as Peacock prepared for her senior year at TFS. All along, Peacock had planned to attend Georgia Institute of Technology to pursue a career in aerospace engineering; however, the more time she spent in the air, the more she realized she wanted to be a pilot. She decided to change course. “I fell in love with Auburn the summer before my senior year, but because of the engineering program at Tech, I couldn’t justify going out of state. When I decided to go the flight route, Auburn had the flight program,” she said. Director of College Counseling Dr. Brandy Corbett was ready to help. “Dr. Corbett was in my corner, guiding me through the college application process. She said, ‘We will figure out how to make this work.’ She knew the ins and outs of how to get to Auburn,” said Peacock. “Without her encouragement and help, I would not have ended up here.” After graduating in May 2022, Peacock pursued her professional flight degree at Auburn. Peacock has thrived in her coursework, and in June, she competed in the Air Race Classic – an all-women’s cross-country flight race. “Every year, Auburn sends 2-3 teams. It was an honor to be chosen for that team,” she said. “We raced over 2,400 miles.” Peacock has just acquired her commercial multi-pilot license and is about to start certified flight instructor training. Peacock will graduate from Auburn in December 2024 with a professional flight degree.
“The dual enrollment on campus was extremely helpful. I graduated from TFS with over 40 college credits and will graduate from college in only two and half years."
DUAL ENROLLMENT TFS Junior Keira Webb carefully collected a butterfly larva with her forceps, removed it from its temporary home, and placed it on the scale to record its weight. She is participating in a lab in Liz Barraco’s college ecology class.
a small group setting with handson individualized learning,” said Barraco. “Also, students can take a class they might not have taken in college. They are becoming inquisitive and excited about learning and exploring their options for the future.”
Students conducted an experiment about energy efficiency. Students monitored the amount of food a butterfly larvae consumed over time and compared that to the mass of the chrysalis it formed. They will see how much energy the larva consumes for movement and metabolism compared to weight gain.
College English teacher Kelli Bly sees her students adjusting to the rigor that will be expected of them when they step foot on a college campus. “They understand the expectations that their professors will have for them regarding completing their work articulately, supporting their research, and diving deep into the content,” said Bly. Dual Enrollment is a college “They are developing that polish in acceleration program available their writing and thinking that they to TFS Upper School students. can use when they go on to college.” Through Dual Enrollment, students have the opportunity to take college Ninety-one percent of the class of courses to earn credit for both high 2024 took Dual Enrollment courses school and college. With 23 college- on campus. The average student level courses offered on campus, graduated with 29 college credit TFS students have a unique hours. TFS alumni indicate courses advantage in preparation for the have resulted in cost savings, next stage of education. prepared them for the rigors of college, the ability to graduate “This program allows students to college early, add a dual major/ take high-level college courses in minor, or begin graduate work.
NATI ON A L H O N O R S O C I ETY One of the four pillars of the National Honors Society is service, and TFS members are doing just that on campus and in the community. Member senior Marina Dumas smiles when she talks about service. “We want to build a feeling of community and connection and give students something to look forward to during the day,” said Dumas. From creating motivational message boards to passing out ghoul-o-grams on Halloween, NHS members bring light to the campus. And it doesn’t stop at TFS. In October, they hosted a canned food drive. In November, members made cards for veterans on Veterans Day.
They also visited Traces of Tiger Assisted Living Facility, where they made holiday wreaths with the residents. “I love talking to the residents,” said Dumas. “We are glad to give them company during the season.” The club adopted four families for the Christmas holiday and purchased gifts with monies raised from selling ghoul-o-grams. “It is rewarding to see how excited the members are to make a difference,” said club sponsor Kelli Bly. “They initiate, organize, and implement events and activities. Whether or not they see the results firsthand, knowing they are serving makes them happy.” 31
ONE ACT PLAY COMPETITION Tallulah Falls School’s thespian troupe took first place at the GISA Region 1-AAAA One-Act Play competition on Tuesday, October 30. The group presented “Left Unsaid,” – an original play written by TFS seniors Katie Anderson and Lizzy Wanner. The seasoned cast’s powerful performance meshed with a poetically powerful storyline led to the unexpected win. “When they said ‘Tallulah Falls,’ we were completely shocked,” said co-playwright and cast member Wanner. “At first, there was no jumping up and celebrating – we were frozen in shock. The only thought going through my mind was that I needed to find Katie – we wrote it together. It was crazy to think that we wrote a play and won.”
act play. The two spent the summer generating ideas and writing the script. The story came to life when they read through Anderson’s middle school journal, where she had created a basic plot line. “I have always advocated for artists to create original work and encouraged students to find their voice,” said Roberts. “I recognized Lizzy and Katie’s experience and skill set that might lend itself to them creating something from scratch – and they nailed it – they wrote it, and it is for their peers. That’s what makes it unique.” Anderson said that the play is about finding friendship, finding your voice, and finding your place in the world and that it doesn’t have to be a solo journey – you can do it with the help of others. “We also wanted to convey that it doesn’t matter if you win or lose; it matters who you affect.”
The competition also recognized five outstanding actors. Wanner and junior Jo Newell were both recognized. Two students from each school were selected for an all-star cast. Junior Charlie Harris Roberts said the TFS fine arts department is fortunate to have and Anderson were selected. a solid core of veteran actors Following the win, the group gave who could take on such a mature three outstanding performances in project and embrace the story. the Gertrude Long Harris Theatre The Region 1-AAAA champions took their performance to the at TFS on Oct. 31, Nov. 1, and 2. state competition in Vidalia, GA Performing Arts Director Jonathan on Wednesday, November 13th. Roberts suggested to Anderson They placed third. and Wanner that they write a one-
“It doesn’t matter if you win or lose; it matters who you affect.” - Katie Anderson 32 • ON CAMPUS MAGAZINE
FALL FORMAL In early November, upper school students attended the fall formal at Densmore Farms in Cleveland, Georgia. The warm evening and inviting venue set the stage for a memorable event.
photo booth which brought plenty of delight as students posed for serious and silly pictures. In between dances, games, and photos, students enjoyed snacks and mingling with each other, faculty and staff.
Students arrived dressed for the occasion showing off their elegant and colorful styles. The evening was full of lively dancing with music by North Georgia’s popular theCleanDJ, yard games, and a
“The evening gave students the opportunity to socialize as a whole,” said upper school academic dean Jeremy Stille. “They were able to relax and decompress from their academics.”
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